Now, it's time to discuss one of our most popular custom pieces, and why we're going into full production with it: The Brownout Protector.
What is the Brownout Protector?
The Brownout Protector has been on our website for years as a custom modification, but this year we're going into FULL production (which could be read as "less cost, no custom modification fee, and bigger discounts for bulk purchases"). Also, we've made it better. the new 'Third Generation' brownout protector was recently unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Expo in Las Vegas, using a collection of techniques to protect home equipment to the same standards you would find for large industrial equipment.
How does the BITS Brownout Protector work?
It cuts power in a safe manner before the voltage dips too low for the equipment to operate properly. When current dips below 104-108 volts for more than a moment, it automatically disconnects...
and then automatically reconnects once the line voltage returns to 109-113 volts and remains there for longer than 10 seconds. This is intended to protect your devices from repetitive brown outs. It levels current and filters line noise, so short dips and spikes will be smoothed out.
What is a brown out?
A brownout is a loss in current/power from your electric utility.
What are the effects of a brown out?
There are many.
Some motors continue to try to work, fighting against their own circuits, and will overheat.
Errors can be known to creep into computer operations after extended periods, sometimes with permanent damage to circuitry.
Electrical interference can increase.
Returning electricity after a brownout can rush in, causing spikes and surges. Spikes coming from local machines like air conditioners and refrigerators can become more prominent.
UPS systems do NOT always protect against brownouts, even high-end ones! What can ensue from a UPS experiencing brownout is a rapid cycling between the line current and the battery, draining the battery and making it ineffective in protecting against blackouts or brownouts after 5-10 minutes. In addition, flicking the 'on/off' switch like a brownout does on a UPS can be very damaging to it. |
